You are here

Flood advisory in effect for Big Island

West Hawaii Today

Heavy rain in various locations on the Big Island has prompted a flood advisory.

At 5:37 p.m., radar showed an area of heavy rain that stretched from about 15 miles northwest of Pahala to 10 miles north of Volcano and 15 miles northwest of Hilo, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. An additional area of heavy rain was located about 15 miles northeast of Milolii in South Kona, forecasters said.

The service said rain gauges showed rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Gauges showed that the Honolii Stream and Wailuku River have swelled to several feet above normal.

The advisory covers the entire Big Island and remains in effect until 9 p.m. Forecasters noted that the advisory may be extended if they heavy rain persists.

The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions because of ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.